QUANTYA EVO1 STRADA (2009 - on) Review

Even the most militant environmentalist is going to be disappointed with the performance and durability of the Quantya Evo1. It accelerates swiftly to its 40mph top speed and is very maneuverable in traffic but its range is poor and the power gauge inaccurate. Until these major technological issues are solved, as I'm sure they will be in future models, the Evo1 is essentially a toy.

Ride feels harsh and basic but the long travel suspension soaks up the bumps reasonably well. Wide bars and 90kg weight enable the bike to change direction like a bicycle; especially effective when nipping in and out of heavy traffic. Thankfully the light 90kg weight means it¹s also easy to push the bike home when the battery runs flat (see engine).

The Strada gets to its top speed of 43mph rapidly (in around 2 seconds) but even moderate hills slow it down dramatically. Quantya claim a range of 25 miles per charge but we struggled to get 15miles from our test bike. The first time we rode the bike it ran out of power after just 10 miles despite the gauge showing full when we set off. After a full charge (two and a quarter hours) it ran flat after 15miles. Both journeys were mostly B-roads with a small amount of town riding. 

Marzocchi USD forks and black Akront rims are the highlights of the chassis but the finish on the frame and bodywork is pretty good too. The brakes are adequate for the bikes 40mph top speed but after a couple of 15 mile commutes (and no abuse) the lever came back to the bar.
Running out of power doesn¹t happen as you might imagine. Instead of a slow and gradual loss of speed, the bike cuts out suddenly. Coupled with the inaccurate power gauge this is worrying and downright dangerous when it happens on an unlit B-road.

£9100 is a hell of a lot of money for a bike with a 40mph top speed and a realistic commuting range of only 15 miles. Honda¹s CBF125 is faster, better equipped, does up to 230 miles on a tank of fuel and is £6780 cheaper.

Without doubt the most frustrating part of the entire motorcycle is the power gauge. With a full charge the LED gauge drops at an alarmingly rate after only two or three miles. After five miles the gauge shows just two of the eight possible lights but the bike will continue to run up to another ten miles.
Charging requires the use of the bespoke 48volt Quantya charger. If you intend to do more than a short round trip you¹ll need to take the shoebox sized charger with you. The battery doesn¹t easily detach so you¹ll also need to find a plug socket you can get the bike close to. The warning labels on both charger and bike make it very clear the bike needs to be charged outside and away from flammable materials, so not in your garage. Each charge uses less than 50pence worth of electricity. Compare and buy parts & accessories for the Quantya in the MCN Shop.